Jayden Daniels Reflects on Disappointing Loss: "This One’s On Me – I Promise to Come Back Stronger"
In a heartfelt statement following the Washington Commanders' narrow 25-24 defeat to the Chicago Bears, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels took full responsibility for the game’s heartbreaking loss, vowing to learn from his mistakes and return stronger than ever. "This one’s on me," Daniels admitted. "I promise to come back stronger." These words, spoken with sincerity and accountability, reflect Daniels' maturity and determination to bounce back after a difficult performance.
The loss to the Bears marked a turning point for the Commanders, as they led for much of the game but ultimately faltered in the final moments. With less than three minutes left in the game, Daniels, who had been playing well despite the team's offensive struggles, made a costly mistake that sealed the defeat. Attempting to secure a crucial third-down conversion, Daniels fumbled the ball on a handoff, allowing the Bears to recover and set up a game-winning field goal.
“I just lost the ball,” Daniels said, reflecting on the moment that defined the game. “Completely my fault. Didn’t give Bill a chance, so it’s my fault.” Despite the setback, Daniels' humility and leadership shone through, as he took full responsibility for the mistake and emphasized his commitment to improving moving forward.
The rookie quarterback, who had thrown for 211 yards and three touchdowns in the game, had shown flashes of his potential, but the fumble proved to be a crucial turning point. Daniels, however, remains determined to learn from his mistakes and grow as a player. “I’ll get better from this. It’s part of the journey,” Daniels continued. “I won’t let this define me. I know I’m capable of leading this team to success, and I’ll keep working hard to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Head coach Dan Quinn echoed Daniels' sentiments, praising the young quarterback’s leadership and maturity despite the loss. "Jayden is showing a lot of growth, both as a player and as a leader," Quinn said. "He's taking responsibility, and that's what you want from a quarterback. He’s going to learn from this and come back stronger."
For the Commanders, the loss was frustrating, but the focus now shifts to the future. With Daniels at the helm, Washington fans are hopeful that the young quarterback can overcome this setback and continue to develop into the leader the team needs.
The road ahead is still long, but with Daniels' determination and resilience, the Commanders have a bright future ahead. Fans are eager to see how the rookie will respond after this tough lesson, and his journey will be one to follow closely as the season progresses.
Packers’ Matt LaFleur Drops 2-Word Message on Christian Watson’s Potential Return
The Green Bay Packers are 3-1-1 and in first place in the NFC North. The Packers are coming off a 27-18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Green Bay, and they now travel west to face the Arizona Cardinals in the first of a two-game road trip.
Ahead of Week 7, the status of wide receiver Christian Watson has been a talking point. The Packers’ WR1 suffered a torn ACL in last year’s regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears and has yet to play since the injury.
Watson returned to practice following the team’s bye week, and there was hope he would play in Week 7 against the Cardinals.
On Thursday, head coach Matt LaFleur offered a brief answer when asked if they would bring Watson back this week.
“We’ll see,” LaFleur said, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
Christian Watson’s Practice Return is Encouraging
While Watson’s status remains up in the air, LaFleur did add that Watson has “looked great” in his return to practice.
“He looks great, it’s just trying to build up where we feel comfortable for him to perform….and also where he feels he has enough practice in as well,” LaFleur said on Thursday.
Matt LaFleur when asked about Christian Watson potential return this week: “We’ll see…..he looks great its just trying to build up where we feel comfortable for him to perform….and also where he feels he has enough practice in as well.”
A video surfaced on Wednesday of Watson running routes at practice, and the Packers WR looks like he could be ready to take the field sooner rather than later.
Brandon McManus normally kicks Wednesdays, but he’s in sweats and sneakers today. Lucas Havrisik is suited up to kick.
Devonte Wyatt, Lukas Van Ness and Zach Tom not practicing. Anthony Belton returned to practice. Dontayvion Wicks also practicing.
Here’s Christian Watson, who
Watson, who was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State, caught 41 passes for 611 yards with seven scores in 14 games during his rookie season.
He played just nine games in 2023 due to injuries, catching 28 passes for 422 yards and five scores.
In 2024, he played in 15 games, but managed just 29 catches for 620 yards and two touchdowns, so there is still room for improvement for the young WR.
Currently, tight end Tucker Kraft leads the team in receiving yards with 268 and is tied with Romeo Doubs for catches with 18, so there is a big need for Watson to provide a spark to the offense.
Could Watson’s Return Signal a WR Trade?
With Watson returning at some point, whether it is this week or next, and the NFL Trade Deadline approaching, it could make sense for Green Bay to trade a wide receiver.
While Doubs’ name has surfaced again in rumors, the New York Giants reportedly have inquired about a WR trade with the Packers.
The report mentions Watson, Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, so Watson’s coming back to the team could spell the end of the road for Wicks in Green Bay.
Whether or not the Packers make a trade remains to be seen, but the WR room will be even more crowded once Watson returns.
While the hope is that Watson can return and make his 2025 season debut against the Cardinals, if it doesn’t happen this week, the next game takes place on Sunday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road in the Aaron Rodgers revenge game.
All in all, Watson’s return is imminent, and clarity should be provided in the coming days.
